ERIC Number: EJ1061253
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Mar
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0897-5264
EISSN: N/A
Comparing Psychosocial Adjustment across the College Transition in a Matched Heterosexual and Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Sample
Kirsch, Alexandra C.; Conley, Colleen S.; Riley, Tracey J.
Journal of College Student Development, v56 n2 p155-169 Mar 2015
We compared a matched sample of heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students on 5 psychosocial adjustment composites, longitudinally across the transitional first year of college. Both LGB and heterosexual students experienced a significant increase in psychological distress over the first semester, along with significant decreases in psychological well-being and cognitive-affective strengths. Across the entire first year, LGB students demonstrated consistently greater psychological distress, greater cognitive-affective vulnerabilities, and less social well-being compared to heterosexual peers. This research indicates specific challenges that LGB students experience during the first year of university, suggesting opportunities for promoting successful transitions through this developmental milestone.
Descriptors: Comparative Analysis, Homosexuality, Sexual Identity, Sexual Orientation, Psychological Patterns, Adjustment (to Environment), Longitudinal Studies, College Freshmen, Stress Variables, Well Being, Affective Behavior, At Risk Students, Factor Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Self Efficacy, Resilience (Psychology), Life Satisfaction, Depression (Psychology), Anxiety, Questionnaires, Coping, Social Support Groups, Time, Mental Health
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A